A natural tryptophan-derived molecule that reduces inflammation
Biochemical and functional characterization of a novel anti-inflammatory biogenic amine
This work explores whether a naturally produced molecule called 3HKA can calm harmful inflammation that contributes to conditions like psoriasis and immune-related kidney disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159468 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will identify the enzyme that makes 3HKA and learn how its production is regulated in cells. They will test how 3HKA affects human and mouse immune cells, focusing on pathways (STAT1/NF-κB) that drive inflammatory signals. The team will give 3HKA in animal models of psoriasis and immune kidney disease to see whether skin and kidney signs improve. The overall aim is to fully describe how 3HKA works so it might inform future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis or immune-mediated kidney disease, or those willing to donate blood or tissue samples for research, would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or those with conditions not driven by immune inflammation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or drug targets that reduce harmful inflammation in diseases such as psoriasis and autoimmune kidney disease.
How similar studies have performed: Early lab and animal work shows 3HKA reduces inflammatory signals in human and mouse immune cells and improved symptoms in mouse models of psoriasis and nephrotoxic lupus, but human clinical benefit has not been shown.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santambrogio, Laura — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Santambrogio, Laura
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.